Clearing the home of a loved one is one of the hardest tasks you face after a death. Every cupboard, every photo, every piece of furniture brings back memories. At the same time, deadlines are running and there are practical things that need to be arranged. This guide walks you through it step by step, so you can take it on at your own pace and with peace of mind.
We wrote this guide with care. Not as a checklist to tick off, but as something to hold on to during a time when you have so much to arrange at once. Take all the time you need.
The guide in 7 steps
Wait to clear out until the estate is settled
Do not start throwing things away straight away. Only once all heirs are known and the estate has been accepted may the household contents be divided or cleared out. Unsure about debts or the settlement? Then consult a notary first. This prevents valuable or legally relevant items from disappearing too soon.
Find out the home's deadline
For a rental home, the rent continues until the end of the notice period, usually one month after giving notice. Contact the landlord or housing association quickly to agree on the handover date and conditions. For an owner-occupied home, you set the pace yourself, although ongoing costs such as the mortgage and insurance do play a role.
Secure important documents and valuables
Before all other steps, look for important papers: the will, insurance policies, bank details, proofs of ownership and the administration. Set jewellery, cash and valuable items aside in a safe place. Do this together with several heirs, so that everything is handled transparently.
Divide the sentimental and valuable belongings
Give heirs and loved ones the chance to choose personal items of sentimental value, photos, letters, a watch, crockery. Do this in consultation and without rushing. This is often the hardest, but also the most important part. Only after this is the home ready to be cleared further.
Sort the remaining household contents
Whatever is left, divide it into four streams: keep, sell (for example furniture or appliances via Marktplaats), donate (charity shop or good cause) and dispose of. For many of the bereaved, giving away usable items feels better than throwing them out, and it reduces disposal costs.
Clear the home and dispose of the rest
Now comes the physical clearing: furniture, appliances, flooring and residual waste. This is heavy, time-consuming work, especially with a complete home. At this point, many of the bereaved choose to bring in a house clearance company that handles the entire clearance and the separated disposal.
Hand over the home clean and tidy
Finally, the home is swept clean and handed over to the landlord or estate agent. For a rental home, the landlord may require the home to be returned to its original state, think of removing laminate flooring or painting the walls white. A professional can take care of that last job for you.
There is no "right" pace. Some of the bereaved prefer to do it themselves, calmly; others find it too much or simply do not have the time. Both are fine. If you would rather hand the clearing over, DURA takes the physical and organisational burden off your shoulders, respectfully and in consultation with you.
Do it yourself or hire a house clearance company?
Clearing a home yourself is possible, but do not underestimate the work: an average home soon holds more than you think, and disposing of bulky waste requires transport and sometimes tip fees. On top of that comes the emotional strain.
A professional house clearance company takes over the entire process: clearing, sorting, disposing of items and handing the home over swept clean. At DURA this is always done in consultation, valuable and personal items are set aside, never simply thrown away. We first look around together with you and then agree a fixed price, so you know exactly where you stand in advance.
Need help with a house clearance?
DURA provides respectful house clearances in Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe. We visit with no obligation and agree a clear, fixed price.